An Unexpected Challenge

Abhishek wiped the sweat off his forehead as practice wrapped up. The team had been pushing hard, prepping for their next match. But all thoughts of strategy and technique vanished the moment he saw Aarav standing near the boundary line, chatting with Virat.

His grip on the water bottle tightened. What the hell is he doing here?

He walked over just in time to hear Aarav say, "—thought I’d drop by and see how the team’s shaping up."

Virat clapped him on the back. "Well, if you’re serious about getting back into domestic cricket, this is the place to be."

Abhishek froze. What?

Aarav looked amused as he met Abhishek’s eyes. "Surprised?"

"What are you doing here?" Abhishek asked, his voice tight.

Aarav chuckled. "Relax, Sharma. I’m just exploring my options. Thought it might be fun to be back on the field." His smirk deepened. "Who knows? Maybe we’ll even end up playing together."

Abhishek clenched his jaw. This guy. He wasn’t just hanging around Meera anymore—he was trying to insert himself into every part of Abhishek’s life.

Virat, oblivious to the tension, nodded. "Aarav’s a solid player. If he’s serious, he could be a great addition to the team."

Abhishek forced a smile. "Yeah. If he’s serious."

Aarav’s expression didn’t waver. "Oh, I’m very serious. Guess you’ll just have to wait and see."

Meera’s words echoed in Abhishek’s head. Aarav is my past. You are my future.

But looking at Aarav now, Abhishek couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just about cricket.

This was a challenge.

And he wasn’t about to lose.

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The next few days were a test of patience for Abhishek. Aarav wasn’t just lingering—he was everywhere.

He showed up at practice, chatting with Virat like they were old friends. He jogged alongside Abhishek during warm-ups, casually throwing jabs about their "friendly competition." And worst of all? He still found ways to bump into Meera.

It was driving Abhishek insane.

It all came to a head one evening after practice. Meera was waiting outside the stadium for him, leaning against her scooter, scrolling through her phone. Aarav, of course, was already there, standing way too close.

Abhishek had had enough.

As he walked over, he caught the end of their conversation.

"—still can’t believe you never told me about him," Aarav was saying, shaking his head with a smirk. "Didn’t think you had a type, but I guess you do."

Meera raised an eyebrow. "And what’s that supposed to mean?"

Aarav shrugged. "Come on, Meera. You and I had history. And now you’re dating him?" He glanced at Abhishek, as if he wasn’t standing right there. "Just saying, you moved on fast."

That was it.

Before Meera could reply, Abhishek stepped in. "Funny," he said, his tone cool. "From where I’m standing, it looks like you are the one who hasn’t moved on."

Aarav turned, the smirk never leaving his face. "Just making conversation, Sharma. No need to get territorial."

Abhishek crossed his arms. "I don’t need to. Meera made her choice. Or do you need her to spell it out again?"

Meera sighed, looking at Aarav. "Aarav, I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but if it’s some weird attempt to rattle Abhi, it’s not working."

Aarav chuckled. "You sure about that?"

Meera’s patience snapped. "Yes! Because I love him, and no amount of whatever this is will change that."

For the first time, Aarav’s smirk faltered.

Abhishek felt his heart clench at Meera’s words, but he kept his expression unreadable.

Meera took a step closer to Aarav. "You and I? We’re done. We’ve been done for a long time. And honestly? You showing up like this, trying to play mind games? It’s just sad."

Aarav’s jaw tightened, but he covered it with a chuckle. "Damn. You really don’t hold back, do you?"

"No," Meera said flatly. "So let me be crystal clear—if you’re here for cricket, great. But if you’re here to mess with my relationship, you’re wasting your time."

Aarav looked at her for a long moment, then exhaled. "Got it."

He turned to Abhishek, offering a slow nod. "Guess you win, Sharma."

Abhishek didn’t smile. "Wasn’t a competition."

Aarav smirked, but this time, it didn’t reach his eyes. Without another word, he walked off.

Meera let out a frustrated sigh. "God, that was exhausting."

Abhishek turned to her, his expression softening. "You didn’t have to do that."

Meera rolled her eyes. "Abhi, I’ve always had your back. That’s never gonna change." She poked his chest. "So stop overthinking."

Abhishek caught her hand, pulling her close. "You really love me, huh?"

Meera smiled, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips. "Yeah. I really do."

And for the first time since Aarav showed up, Abhishek felt completely at ease. Because no matter what, Meera was his.

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That is it for now,

Hope you guys like this update,

Do tell me if you have any specific request,

Loveyoulots,

Bubyee

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